Nigeria has been ranked as the 12th lowest country in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in 2025, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as reported by Visual Capitalist.

Out of 189 countries analyzed, Nigeria sits at 178th place, with a GDP per capita of $807. This figure highlights the country’s economic challenges despite its large economy. In contrast, India, which also has a massive population, ranks 50th poorest with a GDP per capita of $2,878—even though it holds the position as the fourth-largest economy globally by total GDP.

GDP per capita is calculated by dividing a nation’s total economic output by its population, offering a clearer view of individual economic productivity regardless of population size.

South Sudan is ranked as the poorest country in the world, with a GDP per capita of just $251, followed by Yemen, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Malawi. Several other African nations, including Madagascar, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Niger, also appear near the bottom of the list.

The report emphasized that despite being one of Africa’s biggest economies in terms of total GDP, Nigeria’s per capita income remains alarmingly low, reflecting ongoing economic hardship for many citizens. It attributed the situation in several countries to persistent conflict, weak institutions, and underdeveloped industrial sectors, even as the global economy continues to recover post-pandemic.

Data was unavailable for some countries including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Palestine.